Horticulture

Organic phosphorus and plant nutrition

The fraction of organic phosphorus that is available for plants is very small and not enough for the plant to grow properly. Compared to nitrogen (N), carbon (C) and sulphur (S) which is part derived from the atmosphere. All organic P comes from available inorganic P in the soil. So ...
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August 21, 2022 / Fertilizers

Blosyrus inaequalis beetle in sweet potato

Blosyrus inaequalis is mostly found in Siri-Lanka and India, but lately also in the northern parts of South Africa. So far the economical damage cause in the highveld in South Africa is not a big concern, but in the lowveld it can cause problems. Folded leaf edges with 15-25 eggs ...
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April 12, 2022 / Insects, Pests, Sweet potato

Sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicarius)

Sweet potato weevil can be devastating in Africa. losses between 73 (Cucurbita moschata) fertilizer requirements can be calculated if you know your soil type and have a good idea of the yield potential of your land and climate. These are basic norms and your specific microclimate and variety can have ...
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December 5, 2021 / Fertilization, Fertilizers, Pumpkins

Sweet potato soil requirements

Sweet potato soil requirements are similar to many other vegetable crops. Good high quality soil is the first step towards good yields, it is not a guarantee, but it helps. The soil texture, structure and chemical composition significantly influences root growth, which is where the tubers grow. Any part of ...
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September 25, 2021 / Cultivation, Soil, Sweet potato

Root knot nematode

Root knot nematode, Meloidogyne spp., are small round worms present on the roots and must not be confused with root knots of Rhizobium spp., which are actually good for the plant. Legume nodules are smaller and pinkish inside while Root Knot galls are distorted and have abnormal branches. Root Knot ...
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July 24, 2021 / Insects, Pest and disease control, Pests

What are good spray program principles you should follow

A good spray programs is not rocket science, and it shouldn't be. There are millions of successful farmers around the world that get it right without having an agricultural degree. Pest management or pest control is about logic and simple easy to follow principles. It also requires you reading the ...
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January 7, 2021 / Pest and disease control

Basics of growing basil

Basil is native of tropical Asia, where for centuries, especially in India, it has been highly esteemed as a condiment. The early Greek and Roman writers were well-acquainted basil. England used basil as early as 1538 and by 1586 it was a well-known herb. The Americans started using it about ...
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December 1, 2020 / Cultivation, Herbs

Factors that influence plant growth

We cannot control and know all the factors that influence plant growth. We know that by addressing the most limiting factor to plant growth, plants grow better and produce higher yields. If you suspect that your yields are lower or that you have less marketable yields the than your neighbour, ...
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February 13, 2020 / Cultivation, General

References[+]

References
↑1	Credit of featured image by Author Graham Wise from Brisbane, Australia https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cylas_formicarius_(14576849194).jpg
↑2	N.E.J.M.Smit,“The effect of the indigenous cultural practices of in-ground storage and piecemeal harvesting of sweetpotato on yield and quality losses caused by sweetpotato weevil in Uganda,” Agriculture, Ecosystems and ... Read More April 10, 2022 / Insects, Sweet potato Propagating, planting and harvesting sweet potatoes Planting material Sweet potatoes are propagated vegetatively through vines (or runners) which are cut up in cuttings, each 300-400mm long. Most other crops are propagated with seed, which comes from the reproductive parts of the plant. Selecting disease and insect free material from a reputable supplier is the first cheap ... Read More April 9, 2022 / Cultivation, Harvesting, Sweet potato Butternut fertilizer application tables according to soil types Butternut((Featured image by: Butternut Citrouille Courge - Photo gratuite sur Pixabay

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